PPL Montana Quality-of-Life Study

In late 2005, the Roper Public Affairs Group conducted a wide-ranging study of Montana residents on quality-of-life issues on behalf of PPL Montana. The University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research assisted as a third-party expert to help shape survey questions and structure the analysis.

This survey is not about PPL Montana. It’s about what people who live in this state say is important to them. Our goal in commissioning this study was to find out what is on the minds of Montana’s residents and bring those issues to the forefront of public policy dialogue.

PPL Montana has made a large, long-term investment in this state and — with our 500 employees — we share a real stake in its future. We felt this was a way we could participate in and encourage informed public policy discussions on key issues that Montanans say they care about.

We’re glad that we can add these survey results to the data already collected from past surveys and research to provide a framework for meaningful public discussions. The best public policy is based on the voices of all the people once they have the facts before them.

It’s clear from these survey results that all of us have strong opinions about what needs to be done to continue making this state a great place to live and raise families.

We hope this information is useful for government and private sector leaders in a constructive, vibrant public dialogue as we work together to develop solutions to the challenges we are facing and set the course for Montana’s future.

Complete Survey Results

Study Background
- Study rationale
- FAQ

News Releases
- Montanans Expect Growth and Clean Environment March 28, 2006
- Montanans Want Kids to Stay March 28, 2006
- Longtime Montanans vs. Newcomers: Surprisingly, Statewide Survey Reveals They See Eye to Eye on Most Issues March 14, 2006
- Montanans Give Education High Marks but Residents See Level of Funding and Tuition as ‘Very Serious Problems’ March 14, 2006
- Montanans Value Public Lands; Residents See Loss of Access as a Serious Problem Facing State March 14, 2006

Audio files from news conference
- Brad Spencer, chief operating officer for PPL Montana
      Clip 1 March 28, 2006
      Clip 2 March 28, 2006
     Clip 3 March 28, 2006
- Justin Greeves, a vice president at Roper Public Affairs Group, a global public opinion research company
      Clip 1 March 28, 2006
      Clip 2 March 28, 2006
     Clip 3 March 28, 2006
     Clip 4 March 28, 2006
- Brad Spencer, chief operating officer for PPL Montana March 14, 2006
- Justin Greeves, a vice president at Roper Public Affairs Group, a global public opinion research company March 14, 2006
- John Baldridge, Director of Strategy Development with the University of Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research March 14, 2006

Charts
- Montanans rate their state a great place to raise a family and enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors
- Montana residents say their state is one of the “best states in the country to live in”
- Majority of Montanans view the state’s economy as fair or poor
- Majority of Montanans feel economic and environmental interests can coexist
- Most of the young people who leave Montana would stay if there were more and better-paying jobs
- Loss of access to public lands
- Education funding serious issue
- State government should be more active in attracting businesses
- Quality of life and natural beauty of state
- Lack of employment opportunities and drug abuse